Question and Answer

Individuals who prepare to graduate high school typically wonder if higher education is worth pursuing. The decision can only be made based on the mindset and goals one may have. Some students decide that it’s better to go straight out of high school and enter the workforce; whereas others feel it’s best to graduate high school and go to college. Over time, research has shown that college is more valuable than the work experience is. People who attend college right after high school stay focused and keep their momentum going to reach their goals. People who enter college right after high school benefit from the experience of the new environment, more money, and better skills for the future.

High school graduates who start working immediately after high school typically find making money more beneficial. Getting a job right after high school can average an income of about $31,286 per year (Billitteri; graph). This means, with the income made each year without a college degree, people would still be able to survive and pay their bills living on their own. People who start working right after high school may argue that they will stay debt free. People who go straight into the workforce have the opportunity to save money to go to college at later time, if they choose; whereas people who attend college right out of high school may not have money saved up and can accumulate debt from school loans. A college education is not the only place a person had to go to get a high paying job. Some people have a family who owns their own business, which may give them the advantage to get a job more quickly and earn a higher position making enough money without needing a college education. Most people don't have that advantage which is why most people find it beneficial to go to college.

Although people can argue that there are benefits of not going to college right after high school, there are actually some disadvantages. People who don't go to college typically forget what they have learned in their years of high school and end up losing their study habits. This can be a problem if they ever want to attend college later they might be placed in a developmental class with people who have a hard time understanding content previously learned. Also, people who don't go to college have more responsibilities. Younger people who go to college have the opportunity to have freedom because they usually do not have any children of their own. While people who choose to focus on work typically have to take care of their family and work to take care of all the bills. A person who is a high school graduate entering the work field right after high school on average can only make around $31,286 per year, while a person who has a Bachelor's degree earns about $57,181 (Billitteri). Based on these numbers it is clear that people who go to college earn 83% more having a bachelor’s degree rather than only a high school diploma (Billitteri). The cost of college may seem like a problem, but college gives a better chance to earn more over time, pay back loan debt quickly, and live a successful life.

College provides a whole different environment than one who graduates high school and goes into the workforce. People who enter college have the opportunity to gain internships at the college to train for the field of their desire. They gain experience and learn what their interest is for that specific field. Whereas the people who graduate high school go into a job for the money and become unfamiliar of the work field they are entering. Also, college students get to interact with a different culture of people. Most students who enter college have to live with someone they have never met before. Giving them the chance to interact and meet people that will get them out of their comfort zone. While someone who enters the workforce after high school is stuck with people they know and are comfortable with. Where this becomes a problem for their future because most jobs require people to be social and reach out to others.  People who attend college also benefit from having to worry about working and making money to survive. College students usually have their finances set in their tuition each year to cover the expenses of living. Where a person who works after high school has to deal with how they are going to afford groceries, utilities and rent with a two week paycheck. College becomes beneficial for people who experience a new environment because this gives them the chance to adapt more quickly than someone who enters work right after high school.

 Education holds a lot of value today. In the past, higher education was only for people who were smart and could afford it. Now, it is available for all. If someone is using the expenses of college as a reason not to attend, that reason ends here. A community college is very affordable for people who may not be able to afford a university. A public two year college averaged $2,544 in 2009-2010 (Billitteri,chart), which can be covered by the help of financial aid, Pell grants, and scholarships. Even people who want to get their associate's degree can stay debt free and earn $3,852 per year more than a high school graduate (Billitteri,Thomas)(chart). Although that may not seem like much, people who hold a college degree are able to use that to their advantage. When someone seeks to further their education, it gives them the opportunity for a better job choice. Higher education expands their minds which develops more skills to get them the job of their dreams.

With higher education, graduates gain specialized skills that will help them in the future to get a job, skills they may not learn in the work place. In college, students learn how to write, work in groups, and multitask. Students who enter college learn the importance of communication. In colleges people have to learn how to write effectively by writing their own papers and checking for their own grammatical  mistakes. Students in college have to learn how to correct their own grammar, use good vocabulary and understand the structure of proficient writing. Where in contrast, high school teachers provide all the help by having students submit rough drafts and correcting it for them. Also college helps students become leaders. In college students are able to work in groups to see things in different perspectives. In College Students work with people they don’t know, which helps them build relationships with each other. Whereas in high school teachers allow students to choose their own groups which prevents them from meeting different people. Showing that college students will be collaborating more than high school students who enter the workforce. Multi-tasking is also vital for the future and higher education. College provides skills to learn how to manage time wisely and study, work and still maintain a social life. Whereas high school only provides the basic skills needed for a job, such as learning how to be organized, responsible, and focus on school. High school teachers only help you apply yourself to a classroom, which is a disadvantage for the people who go straight to the workforce out of high school because they rarely get to encounter these skills. If a person masters all these skills, they can stand out from others who compete for the same position or promotion they want.

College may not be for everyone, but it is very valuable when it comes down to learning new skills, gaining better employment, and earning more money. People who graduate high school and go to college have the opportunity to succeed further than someone who just works with a high school diploma.  People who hold a degree have the chance to get a better job. With the years devoted into college, graduates can show employers that they have the dedication and experience to begin working in their career. Taking me for an example; I decided to attend a two year community college right after high school to further my education. I will be debt free my first two years and will transfer to a university using grants and scholarships to further my education. Therefore, this being the right choice for me I believe it’s best to go to college rather than getting a job right after high school.

Work Cited

Billitteri, Thomas J. “The Value of a College Education.” CQ Researcher 20 Nov. 2009: 981-1004. Web. 23 Oct. 2013

Carlson, Scott. “How To Assess The Real Payoff Of A College Degree.” Chronicle Of Higher Education 59.33 (2013): A26. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 23 Oct. 2013.